Ajax coach De Boer impressed by Salzburg

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Ajax coach Frank de Boer was realistic after the 3-0 home defeat against Red Bull Salzburg in the last 32 of the Europa League in Amsterdam on Wednesday.

After two goals by Jonathan Soriano and one from Sadio Mane, Salzburg took a 3-0 lead at half-time and the dominating Austrian side did not give away the advantage in the second half. Ajax was not able to create any chance against the Austrian league leaders.

"We did not underestimate them," Frank de Boer said at the press conference. "We could not play our own game, because they constantly put us under pressure. Maybe I figured out the wrong tactics, maybe we should have conquered them with more long balls."

"I think there are only a few teams that can play like Salzburg did," De Boer added. "They played continuing pressure, as a unity. There are only two options. Play the same or play your own game. But in that case you have to be in top form and we were not."

"The defeat was fully deserved," De Boer added. "It will be hard to reach the next round. I do not expect them to play differently next week at home."